Overview
The Patagonian Sheepdog, or Ovejero Magallánico, is a medium-sized Chilean herding breed. It was developed to work sheep in the cold, windy Magallanes region at the southern end of the country.
Its long rough coat protects it from the climate of the Patagonian steppes and mountains. The Kennel Club de Chile publishes the breed standard.
History
The breed was created in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries for sheep farming in Chilean Patagonia. It descends from European working dogs brought by settlers.
Among its possible ancestors is the Old Welsh Grey Sheepdog, which may have arrived with Welsh settlers in the Chubut Valley across the border in Argentina.
Appearance
It is a dog of medium stature with a long, thick, rough coat that gives good protection against wind, cold and rain. The coat is a defining feature and reflects a working life on open steppe and in the mountains.
Temperament
Like many sheepdogs, it is expected to be intelligent, responsive and devoted to its work and family. It is a tough, practical worker used to long days outdoors.
Care and exercise
As a working herding dog, it needs plenty of exercise and mental activity, and it is happiest with a job to do. The long coat should be brushed regularly to prevent tangles, especially during shedding periods.
